Cloud computing to drive IT spending

Data management processes look set for a shake-up as both public organizations and private firms move towards cloud computing.

According to research from the International Data Corporation (IDC), cloud computing is set to be the "key driver" of new IT spending over the next five years.

As more firms realize the potential benefits that can be had by using virtualized data storage, they will begin to invest in the associated infrastructure to make the systems effective.

This means that data management processes at many firms will have be completely re-thought.

"The challenge facing the storage industry will be to balance public cloud service providers' demand for low-cost hardware while boosting demand for advanced software solutions in areas such as object-based storage, automated data tiering, Big Data processing, and advanced archiving services," said Richard Villars, vice-president at IDC.

James Peel, product manager at open source platform Opsview, says that advancements in technology - such as cloud computing - have made IT a central business issue.